Jamie C
Revisiting a legendary collection
Many gamers are very cautious of rebuying their old game collection. Especially considering if that game offers nothing new from the first time. Despite this worry there was a time we had a sudden influx of PS2 remasters on PS3. Many gamers were experiencing these titles for the first time on their new consoles and others were revisiting with the prospect of updated visuals, improved gameplay and bug fixes.
When it was announced that PlayStation would be receiving emulation for PS1, PS2 and even PSP classics with PlayStation Plus, many gamers cried with joy. But then it was also announced these classic releases will come with improved graphics, upscale to full 1080p and trophy support. Games no longer had to be fully reprogramed and retextured. Making it easy(er) to repackage with the features we want from a rerelease. Suddenly gamers rejoiced and are begging PlayStation to rerelease their favourite games so they can revisit their childhood classics.
Here are 7 we think deserve that treatment!
Simpsons Hit and Run
Starting off strong! A wacky open-world action-adventure with the iconic Simpsons family in a hilarious quest to save Springfield from chaos. It’s like playing an actual season of the show, thanks to the official cast and writers from the show lending their talents to this game.
Who says Licensed games have to suck? And who says GTA clones also have to suck? Well, Simpsons Hit and Run shows that both can work, and work really well. The Simpsons were no stranger to being slapped into a variety of clone games. They took up skateboarding and even crazy taxi-ing. But when it was announced they would be in a GTA clone many concerns were raised. Thankfully we were worried for nothing.
Simpsons Hit and Run offers a fun, wacky and humours 8-10-hour campaign, with many things to do on the side. Simpsons Hit and Run would be a nostalgia trip.
Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy
An immersive adventure set in ancient Egypt. You take on the roles of Sphinx and an un-named Mummy, solving puzzles and battling foes in a captivating world. The game offers rich storytelling and diverse gameplay, making it a true gem for those who love exploration and mystery.
When this game was first released, many reviewers drew comparisons with the Legend of Zelda… and who doesn’t want a Zelda like experience of a PlayStation Console? My only compliant with this game is there is no voice acting, so just like Zelda you are stuck with reading. Ugh! But despite this, you have a very underappreciated game.
Memorable characters, smooth gameplay with the right amount of difficulty and a fun story. Who doesn’t like playing a mummy and Demi God, while solving platforming puzzles to break the mummy’s curse and beat the bad guy?
SSX Tricky
Let’s face it. 2012’s “Reboot” of SSX wasn’t that great. It was still fun but it was a “Reboot” that wasn’t needed. Why take the colourful design of the originals and slap on the greyscale filter? It also wasn’t that difficult to play as for the most part you could button mash your way to a high score. So, let’s remind everyone why SSX is a great franchise by bringing back the best one.
No one wants to play SSX for realistic…ish visuals and physics, they want to play a fun, bright and colourful arcade extreme sports games.
Metal Arms: Glitch in the System
Another gem that unfortunately flew under many people’s radars. You play as Glitch as he joins forces with the Droids in his world, in their fight against General Corrosive and his Milbots. Imagine the gameplay of Ratchet and Clank crossed with the story of Transformers and you have Metal Arms: Glitch in the System.
One of the standout features of Metal Arms is its engaging and humorous storyline. Glitch’s quirky personality and humorous interactions with other characters add a charming touch to the game. The narrative unfolds through well-executed cutscenes, keeping players invested in the unfolding events.
Shadow Hearts Series
If you have read my previous work, you would know I am a HUGE shadow hearts fan. And I am so excited for the upcoming Spiritual Successor: Penny Blood from Matsuzo Machida, the creator of the Shadow Hearts Series.
Shortly after the revamped PlayStation Plus service was announced, the Shadow Hearts IP owner; Universal Entertainment, renewed the trademark of the series.
Whether it was to protect the own IP from getting used in the Penny Blood kickstarter, or a sign the no longer Video Game company is going to licence out their games, we are hopeful, the series will make it’s way onto PlayStation Plus.
The Shadow Hearts series on the PS2 remains a treasured and memorable part of the RPG genre. Its dark and imaginative world, along with its unique blend of history and fantasy, sets it apart as an unforgettable experience that continues to inspire fans and newcomers alike.
Nightmare Creatures
Imagine Bloodborne, if it was on the PS1. Nightmare Creatures for the PlayStation 1 is a thrilling and macabre gaming experience that leaves players on the edge of their seats. Set in 19th-century London, the game’s dark and gothic atmosphere immediately draws players into a world of horror and mystery.
One of the game’s strengths lies in its impressive graphics and art design, considering the hardware limitations of the PlayStation 1. The nightmarish environments are beautifully detailed, evoking a hauntingly atmospheric and eerie setting throughout the adventure.
Nightmare Creatures offers fast-paced and challenging combat, with a vast array of weapons and combos to master. The intense battles against grotesque monsters keep players engaged and test their reflexes.
Grand Theft Auto Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories
Rumours have been circulating for a while that These games along with Grand Theft Auto 4 were getting their own remasters following the release of the Grand Theft Auto Trilogy. However due to the issues faced at launched, those plans were reportedly cancelled. So instead of a remaster, Rockstar should use this new revived platform to release the PSP and PS2 games and bring light to these 2 often forgotten titles.
Many gamers don’t realise that although they were originally PSP titles, they were ported to the PS2 with slightly better visuals and handling (thanks to the twin sticks of the DualShock 2). It also didn’t help that they were released near the end of the PS2 and start of the PS3 generations.
They were DLC games before DLC, so they didn’t offer anything in terms of gameplay or visual improvements from the original GTA3 and Vice City games. However, they do offer original stories, visuals and locations not featured previously and its a shame a lot of fans have missed out on these titles.
